Overview
The primary pathogen is Rickettsia typhus (SPF), which is tick-borne and infects both dogs and humans. Despite its name, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) occurs throughout the United States, parts of western Canada, and Mexico and Central and South America. For now. Most cases of the disease in dogs and humans have come from the eastern United States. Although four rickettsial typhus species have been isolated from ticks, rickettsiosis is thought to be caused by typhus pathogens that infect humans and animals in the Western Hemisphere.
Causes of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever In Dogs
It is transmitted by tick bites.
Symptoms Of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever In Dogs
Clinical manifestations are most likely to occur in puppies (within 2 years of age) born in March and October. It has been found that the disease has a species-specific predilence, and the incidence is higher in German shepherds. The most common symptoms were fever with myalgia and arthralgia, and decreased appetite. Extensive angitis involving edema and congestion of the lips, scrotum, and ears causes a number of other symptoms. In male diseased dogs, scrotal edema and epididymal swelling may occur. In addition, a deep examination may show speckular hemorrhage and congestion on the mucosa. It is clear that severely infected dogs will bleed spontaneously, and in more severe cases there may be cardiovascular, neurological, and renal damage, which are the most common causes of death. But Rocky Mountain spotted fever does not often cause death.
Diagnostic criteria for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever In Dogs
Affected dogs show many clinical signs consistent with other tick-borne diseases, such as Erik's disease and babesiosis. "If spontaneous bleeding or epistaxis occurs, the dog should be considered for immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, pseudohemophilia, or warfarin poisoning." Canine distemper, polyarthritis, and brucellosis (with orchitis or epididymitis in affected males) should also be considered.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Treatment
The approach to RMSF treatment should be based on the history of the affected dog, the physiological state, and the presentation of less severe thrombocytopenia. "Several drugs can be used: tetracycline (22-30 mg/kg, orally, every 8 hours for 7 to 10 days) or doxycycline (10-20mg/kg, orally, every 12 hours for 7 to 10 days), both of which produce the same therapeutic effect." "Because these two drugs leave marks on the teeth when used for 10 days or more in puppies (less than 6 months of age), chloramphenicol (15-30mg/kg, orally or subcutaneously, every 8 hours for 7 to 10 days) can be used in puppies." Significant improvement occurs within 24 to 72 hours of antibiotic treatment. In severely infected dogs, supportive treatment should be provided for stress, spontaneous bleeding, and symptoms of cardiac or renal disease. Intravenous fluid therapy, however, may accelerate lung and brain edema because intravenous fluids increase vascular permeability.
